Acupuncture course Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering applying for the Licentiate in TCM Acupuncture course at the ICTCM, you may be wondering why every applicant is invited to an interview before being offered a place.
You might also be asking yourself:
- Is this Acupuncture course the right fit for me?
- What types of people study at the ICTCM
- Will I fit in?
- What are the challenges and rewards of being a student of Acupuncture TCM at the ICTCM?
These are important questions, and they deserve honest answers.
Is the Course Right for You?
Starting a professional training programme is a significant commitment. Whether you’re changing career, returning to education, or pursuing a long-held interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s natural to want to know what you’re getting into.
That’s one of the main reasons we interview applicants.
If your application suggests that you may be a good fit for the programme, you’ll be invited to meet with one of our senior staff members via Zoom. The interview is designed to be informative, friendly, and helpful. The interviewer will strive to give a clear idea of the challenges and rewards you might face during the course. It will also give you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the course, as well as gain a realistic picture of student life at the ICTCM.
Why Do We Interview?
There are two important questions we hope to answer during the interview.
1. Is the Applicant Well Suited to the Course?
We want our students to thrive.
We’re looking for people who are motivated, curious, committed to learning, and willing to embrace the challenges of a new professional discipline. Academic ability is important, but so too are qualities such as resilience, enthusiasm, professionalism, and a willingness to contribute positively to the learning environment.
The interview helps us understand whether the course is likely to bring out the best in you.
2. Is the Course Well Suited to the Applicant?
This question is just as important.
Ultimately, only you can decide whether this is the right path for you. Our role is to provide as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision.
During the interview, we’ll explain:
- How teaching is delivered
- What a typical college weekend looks like
- How practical and theoretical learning are balanced
- What assessments and examinations involve
- The level of commitment required to succeed
Our aim is to ensure there are no surprises and that you begin your studies with confidence and clarity.
High Standards, Strong Support
Some applicants are surprised to hear that students must achieve at least 80% in every examination.
Why 80%?
We believe this standard reflects the level of knowledge and competence that clients deserve. Just as you would expect a healthcare professional to have a thorough understanding of their field, your future clients will expect the same of you. Our goal is to graduate practitioners who are confident, knowledgeable, and fully prepared for clinical practice.
While the standard is demanding, students are never expected to meet it alone.
The programme has been carefully designed by experienced and fully qualified teachers to support student success. Throughout the course, students receive clear guidance, constructive feedback and support. Incorporating such guidance means that students will have a very good chance of passing the exams with flying colours.
We also run mock examinations, giving students the opportunity to practise under exam conditions, receive feedback, and build confidence before sitting the real assessments. Many students find these sessions invaluable in helping them understand exactly what is expected and how best to prepare.
More Than an Interview
The interview isn’t a test. It’s an opportunity for a genuine conversation.
It’s a chance for you to meet members of the ICTCM teaching team, ask questions, explore your goals, and gain a sense of what studying at the college is really like. Hopefully interviewees will find the process enjoyable as well as interesting and illuminating.
We intentionally keep our intake numbers relatively small. We want each cohort to be made up of individuals who will learn together, encourage one another, support one another and contribute positively to the shared experience of professional training. Many students tell us that the friendships and professional relationships they develop during their time at the ICTCM become one of the most rewarding aspects of the course.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Making an Application
If you are interested in training in Acupuncture TCM at the ICTCM, you can find detailed information on the course structure at this link. You can also find the Lic. TCM Acupuncture prospectus pack here. We are still accepting applications for the 2026 intake of the Licentiate in TCM Acupuncture course which begins on 10 and 11 October.
If you’re curious about whether the course is right for you, applying is the first step. The interview process is designed to help you discover whether ICTCM is the right place to begin your journey into the world of TCM Acupuncture.